MARK 2025: Theater Kid by Jeffrey Seller: A Memoir of Perseverance, Passion, and Broadway Magic - AmNews Curtain Raiser

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Wednesday, October 23, 2024

MARK 2025: Theater Kid by Jeffrey Seller: A Memoir of Perseverance, Passion, and Broadway Magic

Leslie Odom Jr. (HAMILTON)


 Theater Kid by Jeffrey Seller: A Memoir of Perseverance, Passion, and Broadway Magic

Exciting news for theater lovers and memoir enthusiasts alike! Simon & Schuster has announced the upcoming release of Theater Kid, a gripping coming-of-age memoir from legendary Broadway producer Jeffrey Seller, set to hit shelves on May 6, 2025. Seller, best known for his work on groundbreaking musicals like Rent, In the Heights, and Hamilton, pulls back the curtain on his life, sharing the struggles and triumphs that shaped him into the powerhouse producer he is today.


Theater Kid takes readers on Jeffrey’s personal journey, starting with his hardscrabble childhood in a poor neighborhood outside Detroit. Adopted and growing up in a dysfunctional household, Jeffrey wrestled with his identity, sexuality, and dreams of escaping to a better life. It was through musical theater that he found his voice and a sense of belonging, fueling his passion to pursue a career on Broadway.


The memoir captures the highs and lows of chasing that dream in New York City, especially during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, when surviving in the theater world was as challenging as thriving in it. From working as an office assistant to collaborating with theater giants like Jonathan Larson and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jeffrey gives readers an inside look at the creation of iconic musicals that have defined a generation. Along the way, he reflects on the joyous, gut-wrenching, and often cutthroat process of bringing new musicals to life, finding new audiences, and earning multiple Tony Awards.


Seller's love for musical theater and his dedication to making art on his own terms is palpable throughout the book. "I love musicals, I love Broadway, and I love New York. This book is a pure expression of that love," Seller shared.


Jonathan Karp, President and CEO of Simon & Schuster, praised the memoir, saying, "When we read Jeffrey Seller’s memoir, we realized it possessed many of the same qualities of the landmark musicals he’s produced: it is authentic, heartfelt, and audaciously entertaining. Anyone who loves theater will find communion in this book."


Theater Kid is a story of resilience, creativity, and the power of theater to transform lives. From the heartbreak of losing friends and collaborators to the AIDS crisis to the euphoric success of creating two Pulitzer Prize-winning musicals, Jeffrey’s story is one of fighting against the odds to make art that matters.


Maria Mendez, Associate Editor at Simon & Schuster, acquired the World Rights for the book, and the cover jacket features illustrations by the renowned artist Peter de Sève, adding another layer of artistry to the memoir.


For theater fans, industry insiders, or anyone who loves a tale of perseverance and passion, Theater Kid promises to be an unmissable addition to your bookshelf.


Producer and Author, Jeffrey Seller


About Jeffrey Seller

Jeffrey Seller is the mastermind behind some of Broadway’s biggest hits, including Rent, Avenue Q, In the Heights, and Hamilton. With 22 Tony Awards under his belt and over $4.6 billion in gross earnings from his productions, Seller revolutionized theater accessibility with the $20 lottery for Rent, making Broadway more accessible to a wider audience. He remains committed to his belief in the transformative power of the stage, which served as his own ticket out of his hometown.

Mark your calendars for May 6, 2025, when Theater Kid hits bookstores. Whether you’re a die-hard theater fan or just love a great story about following your dreams, this memoir will resonate deeply.


www.simonandschuster.com







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